by 
San Manuel Miner
The Jr. Miners football team entered last week’s game at Superior in control of their destiny to reach the playoffs. A win against the Jr. Panthers would clinch a playoff berth for San Manuel. Five touchdowns by Superior QB Steve Ybarra were too much to overcome as the Jr. Miners fell to the Jr. Panthers, 44 – 30. The loss eliminated San Manuel from playoff contention.
After trailing twice by two scores during the game, the Jr. Miners battled back, tying the game for the second time in the third quarter.
Superior took advantage of two fourth quarter interceptions by the Jr. Miners, the first giving the Jr. Panthers a two-score lead. The second interception sealed the victory for Superior and ended the Jr. Miners season and their playoff hopes.
As a result of the Jr. Lobos beating Ray and Superior defeating San Manuel, the Panthers are the fourth and final team to make the playoff tournament.
First round games for the playoffs are: Superior (4) at Globe (1) and Eloy (3) at Mt. Vista (2). The winners of those games will meet next Tuesday for the CJHL Championship.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
by by